KUALA LUMPUR – More than 1.47 million files of digitised child sexual abuse content were uncovered through a series of nationwide cyber enforcement operations, underscoring the scale of online exploitation in Malaysia.
Data from four major operations including Op Pedo 1.0, Cyber Guardian 2025, Op Pedo 2.0 and Cyber Guardian 2026, showed that authorities seized a total of 1,470,694 files linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The operations, carried out between 2024 and 2026, involved the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and local and international enforcement agencies.
Across the four operations, 272 individuals were detained at 162 locations nationwide.
Authorities also opened at least 113 investigation papers, resulting in 101 individuals being charged in court.
Among the operations, Cyber Guardian 2026 recorded the highest number of arrests, with 69 individuals detained.
Op Pedo 2.0 uncovered the largest volume of digital evidence, with more than 880,000 files seized.
The figures emerge as Malaysia prepares to enforce key provisions under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) from June 1, aimed at strengthening protections for children in the digital space.
They involve two new codes introduced by MCMC under ONSA – the Children's Protection Code (CPC) and the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) – will require online platforms to implement stronger age verification measures.
They all involve the use of identity cards, passports and other official documents to prevent users below the age of 16 from opening social media accounts.
“We have now asked platforms to implement age verification. Users need to verify their age using government-issued documents such as identity cards, passports or other official documents,” Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told reporters on May 22.
“If it is merely self-declared, anyone can simply click and claim they are above 18 years old.”
Teo also told a Scoop Insight podcast that parents must play an active role in managing their children's digital activities, rather than relying solely on government regulations.
As a mother herself, she said she personally monitored her children's gaming and social media activities and made use of parental control tools.
“My kids play Roblox as well. So I set up parental controls with them. I will verify their age. I will set out certain limits,” said the mother of three who ensures the games are age-appropriate for her children.
Online Safety Committee (OSC) chairman Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim has also said that said safeguarding children online should be a shared responsibility involving parents, teachers, relatives, caregivers and the wider community.
“I think all adults who are taking care of children must be responsible, babysitters, parents, aunties and uncles as well.
“All Malaysians have to be responsible when it comes to children, to make sure that their interests are taken care of and not taken advantage of,” Bernama reported her saying in a recent interview.
The retired Chief Judge of Malaya stressed that greater awareness is needed to protect children from online exploitation, abuse, harmful content and other forms of neglect.
Hasnah said parents and legal guardians must remain alert to their children's online behaviour, particularly as younger children are becoming increasingly digitally savvy.
The latest enforcement figures reinforce the government's position that stronger online regulations are necessary to combat online grooming, child exploitation and the circulation of abusive content.
While the implementation of ONSA has generated debate surrounding privacy and enforcement concerns, authorities maintain that the legislation is intended to create a safer online environment for children and families.
Malaysia is among a number of countries that are adopting stricter online safety measures for minors.
In 2024, Australia introduced legislation restricting individuals under the age of 16 from holding independent social media accounts. Platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and X can face fines of up to A$50 million (RM136.68 million) for failing to comply.
Brazil requires children under 16 to use social media under the supervision of a legal guardian, with accounts linked to parents for closer monitoring.
Indonesia is also implementing similar restrictions, targeting what it classifies as high-risk platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
Malaysia's Online Safety Act officially came into force in January 2026, with the latest measures marking the next phase of the country's efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital landscape. - May 31, 2026
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